London’s top Backstage Tours

Going behind the curtain can be an eye-opening experience. The sheer scale of West End theatres such as Drury Lane, the National or the Royal Opera House is hugely impressive and a backstage tour is a great opportunity to see the hidden world of costume departments, scene-building and technical magic.

• National Theatre
• Insight into the backstage life of the UK's national theatre complex.
• South Bank, London, SE1 9PX Tel: 020 7452 3400 (Map)
• Website

• Theatre Royal Drury Lane
• This historic theatre site has been in use since the 1660s. Explore this enormous theatre's backstage area and learn more about its history.
• Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF Tel: 0870 890 1109 (Map)
• Website

• Royal Opera House
• A fascinating peek into the workings of one of the world's great theatres.
• Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD Tel: 020 7304 4000 (Map)
• Website

• Shakespeare's Globe
• A tour of the theatre and exhibition entry to the recreation of Shakespeare's theatre
• 21 New Globe Walk, London , SE1 9DT Tel: 020 7902 1500 (Map)
• Website

• London Coliseum
• Explore Frank Matcham's masterpiece theatre and home to English National Opera.
• St. Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES Tel: 020 7845 9300 (Map)
• Website